Wake Forest native one of 10 accepted into App State program

Ten first-year students at Appalachian State University have been awarded Diversity Scholarships for the 2019–20 academic year, and Wake Forest’s Tyler Bland is one of them.

The Diversity Scholars Program is one of Appalachian’s top scholarship programs. Since 2008, it has recognized merit in scholarship and brought people together from different cultures and backgrounds to work on building unity through diversity while focusing on scholarship, community and service. Through funding secured by Chancellor Sheri Everts, the scholarship has covered full in-state tuition and fees for four years since fall 2016.

This four-year leadership development opportunity covers full in-state tuition and fees (tuition, fees, book rental) and includes specially designed leadership workshops, service-learning, international experiences and mentorship opportunities. The students were chosen from more than 2,900 applicants.

Bland graduated from Wake Forest High School and plans to major in special education. She was a leader in her school’s Unified Champions club, where she worked to create an inclusive school environment that supports students with and without intellectual disabilities. Bland also coached the Unified Track team to provide students of all abilities the opportunity to participate in school sports.

“Appalachian is committed to being a community that embraces diversity of thought, belief and community,” Everts said. “Members of the scholarship committee shared these students are deeply engaged in their communities and look forward to being active participants in Appalachian’s academic community. I thank the members of the scholarship committee for their work in selecting our newest class of Diversity Scholars.”

The Diversity Scholarship is awarded to students who have demonstrated leadership potential, academic achievement, a willingness to create positive change and a commitment to the principles of diversity. All first-year students are eligible for the scholarship, which is renewable for students maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA.

Each Diversity Scholar is to provide 15 hours of community service to the university and greater community, and engage in a semester-long international experience prior to the start of their senior year.